Within four days, we witnessed a second attack on a paramedic from the Emergency Medical Center.

The Bulgarian Union of Medical Assistants and Paramedics warns that violence against medical professionals has become a worrying trend, and the lack of adequate protection of workers in emergency centers puts them at constant risk. Violence against medical professionals is a threat to their personal safety, as well as to the safety and health of patients and the whole society.

In front of Radio Sofia, the Deputy Chairman of the Board of BULASF Galina Zaharieva said that such incidents also affect the teams mentally.

In both recent cases, colleagues are over 70 years old and for the first time they have experienced physical aggression because verbal is everyday life. Once you are attacked, things change – one is no longer safe at work, I lose faith in the people across the street,” Zaharieva explained.

According to her, the reason for the increasing aggression is the unsettled positions in outpatient care.

"Really, people after the official working hours have nowhere to go and seek medical help. Everything is pouring on our colleagues," said Galina Zaharieva.

She added that teams have panic buttons on their tablets, but they don't always manage to use them. According to Zaharieva, European practice shows that a good option would be if teams are equipped with body cameras.

They don't prevent, but they discipline. Second, there is a difficulty in the evidence in subsequent pre-trial proceedings, as our colleague is usually alone, even the driver is in the ambulance. It is very difficult to gather evidence afterwards so that the perpetrators can be held accountable,” said Galina Zaharieva.

She stressed the need for training of crisis management teams.

The EU calls on all competent institutions to immediately address the issue of real safety at work in emergency centres in the country.

Once again, we draw the attention of the Ministry of Health to the problem. We expect and insist on effective prevention measures and zero tolerance for aggression against our colleagues.

You can hear details in Maria Ilieva's interview with Galina Zaharieva.

You can access the BNR news and interview via the button below.

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